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Mayor of Hackney s awards open for business

The Mayor of Hackney’s Business Awards 2009 have been launched and businesses and entrepreneurs in the borough are invited to enter.

The annual awards, now in their fourth year, are dedicated to recognising and celebrating the excellence and diversity of businesses in the borough.

The official launch of the Awards at Hackney Town Hall on 10 November offered local business people and entrepreneurs the opportunity to network and meet the Mayor at an evening reception.

Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said: “Small and medium sized businesses and entrepreneurship are at the heart of Hackney’s local economy, and supporting and encouraging these organisations will help to create more opportunities and inspire entrepreneurs.

“These awards were set up with the aim of encouraging excellence in business practice across the borough, showcasing successes in Hackney’s business community, and rewarding companies and individuals who have excelled with enterprising ideas.

“Hackney has always been a great place to do business, it’s getting better all the time, and that is down to the entrepreneurial spirit of Hackney’s local business owners.”

Mayor Pipe added: “I realise businesses are facing more challenges than usual due to the current global economic climate. One of the ways the Council is trying to help is through signing up to a voluntary code of practice to make our contracts more accessible to local small and medium sized businesses.”

A prestigious judging panel from the world of business, who all have a connection with Hackney, will judge award entries. The panel will include Sinclair Beecham MBE, co-founder of Pret a Manger and owner of the Hoxton Hotel, and Yvonne Thompson CBE, founder of Choice FM.

1. There are nine awards categories:• Best Young Entrepreneur 2009 (under 30 years old)• Best New Business Idea 2009 (14 to 19 years old)• Best New Start Up 2009• Best Environmental Practice 2009• Best Ethnic Minority Business 2009• Best Product Design 2009• Best Women’s Business 2009• Best Social Enterprise 2009• Best In The Business 2009

2. Businesses and individuals must submit entries by 5pm on 23 February 2009 and all finalists will be invited to a glittering black-tie event in April 2009.

3. Find out more about the Mayor of Hackney’s Business Awards 2009 and how to enter by visiting: www.hackney.gov.uk/mayorsbusinessawards